Leica Screw Mount CopiesClassic Leica Copy forum as listed in the book 300 Leica Copies, including but not limited to Nicca, Leotax, Honor, Canon etc. At one time there was a major part of the camera industry just trying to make a lower cost copy/dirivitive of the original Leica.

I just picked up a fully working leotax f for just $35 and leotax fv for $68 off ebay. Anyone else finding great deals? Looks like no interest in film cameras anymore. Do you think it will be long before lens prices fall?

I feel like this exact same topic has been started (even mentioned Leotax too I think) before.

Camera bodies are mostly cheap now unless they have a recognizable brand name and some sort of collectibility. Lens prices, I'll agree are not going to fall, save for a few special lenses that enjoyed fads of internet popularity (bokeh kings/monsters, whatever, the whole lot of them, for instance). But even then that's just a few bubbles bursting, not lenses as a whole.

Camera bodies could be cheap because no one wants them after the lenses have been taken off for use on digital things. So the body alone gets sold cheaply... And who wants one without a lens and lens prices going up and up?

Have you film tested the cameras as yet? It is also possible that these went cheaply because of the lack of understanding on the part of the seller. As stated lens prices will not be going down IMO since most can be adapted to digi bodies and therefore have a long useful life.

I hope this trend continues then I will not be tempted to ever sell any of my film gear.

There have been bargains like these on ebay for years, if you're patient and/or lucky; most by sellers who have no idea what they are selling. But it all depends on condition. A Leotax that doesn't work and needs curtains is worth less than zero, as it costs more to refurb than it's worth afterwards.

I believe all used cameras need a good cla. So I;m willing to take a chance without a guarantee. The seller was Roberts camera store. Two weeks ago they posted 2 minolta II for $27 each several leotax k's and f's and the fv. I think these are far better then fed's or zorki's. I loaded the leotax f and will be using this week. Curtains are nice and pliable no cracks or holes. viewfinders are clean. Cosmetics look good. Slow speeds stick on leotax fv an easy clean. I sold most my collection a few years ago. I keep my favorites still. Although a little depressing seeing the value slip. Still hopeing for cheaper lenses in the future

The shutter curtains look like they need to be replaced ( they look to be more than dirty) on that bargain priced Leotax F. Not a bad deal if one is competent enough to tackle the job in a DIY fashion.

The shutter curtains look like they need to be replaced ( they look to be more than dirty) on that bargain priced Leotax F. Not a bad deal if one is competent enough to tackle the job in a DIY fashion.

shutter curtains are perfect shape no need to replace. I have replaced shutter curtains in the past it's not that big of deal

shutter curtains are perfect shape no need to replace. I have replaced shutter curtains in the past it's not that big of deal

The shutter curtains on the example you originally provided a hyperlink to,http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Showa-Optical...3D100011%26rk% the 42 dollar Leotax F body, show less than perfect shutter curtains and in my experience are usually far worse on the pressure plate side as compared to the visible front.

Changing the shutter curtains on a camera is beyond the scope and skill of most camera enthusiasts, let us get realistic here.

Since Roberts is the only store of its kind for many miles around, they do a lot of business on trade-ins, so they have a large used equipment inventory. When the shelves get full of a slow moving product, it's time to mark it down, and hopefully out the door. I've bought a lot of stuff from them, and have never had an issue with what I received. Got an MB-D80 grip with the AA adapter for $25 recently, with free shipping.

But my latest great find has been a Rapid Omega 200 with the 3.5/90 Super Omegon, and five 120 magazines for $50 from a seller who was disposing the estate of one of his clients. Everything works, and after a little dusting, it was ready to go.

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